Young Eagles
"Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has dedicated more than 25 years to giving youth ages 8–17 their first free ride in an airplane.
It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation."
Schedule Online
EAA Chapter 1662 holds what are called "Young Eagle Rallies" throughout the year, where kids and their parents who sign up in advance and sometimes even the day of the event to fly with one of several pilots who bring their personal aircraft out to give the gift of flight. All pilots must undergo youth protection background checks in order to participate.
Show Up and Go Fly
On the day of a Young Eagle Rally, you simply show up at:
2654 Airport Rd
Marion, NC 28752
Arriving a bit early helps! Bring a baseball cap and sunglasses and expect to spend between 1 and two ours with us. A heated and air conditioned pilot lounge provides a spot to hang out while waiting on a flight.
Seize the Opportunities
Take your signed logbook and your free EAA membership and consider attending Airventure in Oshkosh, WI. "Airventure" or simply "Oshkosh" is held the last week of July every year and happens to be the largest airplane gathering in the world over the course of an entire week. Follow up with us to learn about nation-wide scholarship opportunities to learn how to fly.
Interested in flying as soon as possible?
Young Eagle Flights conducted through EAA Chapter 1662 can also be done outside of a Young Eagle Rally.
A Young Eagle Rally is typically held over the course of a few hours with 5-20 youth and 3-5 pilots and aircraft offering 20 minute flights that return to Shiflet Field. Sometimes weather can dash our plans to fly. Cancellations are sent as far in advance as possible. We typically use Saturdays with a start time in the morning that varies with the seasons and use Sunday as an alternate weather day in case winds, rain, snow, low clouds, or some other weather phenomena present a safety concern on our planned flying day.
However, individual pilots who are members of EAA and have completed youth protection training and background checks through EAA can also conduct Young Eagle flights on behalf of Chapter 1662. For especially interested and motivated youth, there is an opportunity to come out to Shiflet Field just for a single flight during a time frame that works for both the Young Eagle and their pilot.
If you are interested in flying during a Young Eagle Rally and possibly arranging to meet with one of our pilots on the field on a day with excellent weather to conduct your Young Eagle Flight, please contact:
Brian Berryhill
Young Eagles Coordinator , EAA Chapter 1662
